by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

Although the NHL hasn't completed an agreement to allow its players to participate in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen is projecting the teams that will be in play a year from now. Today: Sweden.

Discussion: It will become very interesting for Mart if the Ottawa Senators' Daniel Alfredsson decides to play another season. He could slot in the second or third line. Franzen could end up on the fourth line doing the heavy lifting.

Discussion: A young forward such as Mika Zibanejad could be in play here or Mikael Backlund (Calgary Flames). How about 6-3 Carl Soderberg of HC Linkoping receiving consideration? He is having a monster season with 27 goals in 45 games.

13th forward: Former NHLer Joel Lundqvist

Discussion: The identical twin of Henrik Lunqvist, center Joel is having another exceptional season and is captain at Vastra Frolunda.

Discussion: The first six seem like locks to make the team, and the No. 7 defenseman seems like it will be a battle. Ericsson could give the team more size to play against Canada. But he is more of a hunch than a favorite. The No. 7 spot could easily go to Nicklas Hjalmarsson (Chicago Blackhawks). Keep an eye on young Jonas Brodin (Minnesota Wild). If he continues to improve, he could claim a spot. One oddity of the Sweden program is that Karlsson is the only right-hand shot among their premium defensemen.